Candidate Endorsements
Every election year, the Santa Rosa Chamber Business and Community Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) endorses candidates in races critical to Santa Rosa’s future.
The endorsement process includes a review of candidate statements/materials, a candidate forum including a poll of forum attendees, and candidate interviews.
Endorsed Candidates - November 8, 2022 Mid-term Election
Santa Rosa City Council
Mark Stapp, District 2
Mr. Stapp has been actively engaged in the community as a business and philanthropic leader since moving here 11 years ago. He has shown a deep interest in and dedication to working to improve Santa Rosa’s housing crisis. He has been serving on the City’s Design Review Board and has committed as a council member to working with constituents to address our housing challenges. Mr. Stapp understands the tie between economic development, and both housing and business support and attraction.
Dianna MacDonald, District 3
Councilmember McDonald’s candidacy is unique in that she was appointed to City Council earlier this year to fill a vacant seat and is now running unopposed. In her time in office, she has been dedicated to learning about the policy issues the council is facing. She has been proactive in educating herself on the issues while being responsive and engaging with all stakeholders on critical issues.
Terry Sanders, District 4
Mr. Sanders has a perspective that will be both unique and needed on the Council in coming years. As a now retired 23-year fire fighter he brings real-world experience and expertise on public safety issues facing Santa Rosa today. As someone who has owned a small business in Santa Rosa, he understands the critical economic development role that government plays in creating an environment where small businesses can thrive. Mr. Sanders shared many thoughtful and actionable policies during our endorsement process to address homelessness, housing, and economic recovery. Mr. Sanders would also continue to bring greater diversity and representation to elected leadership in Santa Rosa.
Jeff Okrepkie, District 6
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, Mr. Okrepkie has committed to a focus on housing and homelessness, and a Santa Rosa where families can thrive. He founded and was the first president of Coffey Strong, a neighborhood support group to help fire survivors rebuild. This along with his experience on Santa Rosa’s Planning Commission have given him an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing homebuilders and of the opportunities for streamlining in the City Planning and Building Departments. Mr. Okrepkie has proven that he can engage the community on critical issues facing Santa Rosa.
State Assembly
Damon Connolly, 12th District
Mr. Connolly brings a wealth of experience in local and state government which paired with extensive knowledge on the issues facing the North Bay will allow him to be an immediately productive representative of our region. He shared policy priorities to address homelessness, housing, wildfire prevention and economic recovery Mr. Connolly is committed to a focus on economic revitalization and understands that ongoing support for small businesses continues to be a critical issue as California recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.
Santa Rosa City Schools
Danielle Molkenbuhr, Trustee Area 2
Ms. Molkenbuhr has been dedicated to learning about the policy issues the SRCS Board is facing and shows a clear commitment to engaging stakeholders to understand the strengths and challenges with the district, and, what they need from the board.
Lisa Brown, Trustee Area 4
Ms. Brown is running because she feels it is critical to have parents of current students represented on the board. She is committed to school safety, working with the community and fellow board members for a successful resumption of the School Resource Officer program, and preparing students for real world challenges and success.
Endorsed Candidates - June 7, 2022 Primary Election
